Infra Insight Blog

The North County Transit District (NCTD) in Oceanside, California is seeking to hire a dynamic and experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel to the organization’s Board of Directors, and Executive Staff. The General Counsel reports directly to the NCTD Board of Directors and is responsible for performing all legal services for this progressive public transportation agency. 

NCTD employs nearly 700 people, including more than 100 direct employees and 600 contract employees. Overseeing the organization is the NCTD Board of Directors which consists of nine members all of whom are elected officials representing specific cities and the county in which NCTD operates. Reporting directly to the Board is the President/Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for managing all services and operations of the District. The annual operating budget is approximately $81 million and the capital budget is approximately $10 million.  NCTD funding relies on local sales taxes, state funds, federal grants and operating revenues.

The General Counsel provides legal services to the NCTD Board of Directors, its Chief Executive Officer and senior staff. NCTD transit services are contracted out to private contract providers. A key responsibility of the General Counsel will be to prepare and approve contracts and other related documents concerning these services. The General Counsel also represents NCTD in all related court matters and legal forums, conducts legal research, provides legal opinions and interpretations, resolutions and other legal documents.   

Other General Counsel responsibilities include establishing, and implementing the goals, objectives of the office; organizing and directing the activities of the Office of General Counsel including hiring, training, evaluating, and counseling department staff; maintaining close contact with city attorneys, County Counsel, and member agencies and arranging for outside counsel on matters as required. 

If you have a Juris Doctor or equivalent from an accredited school of law plus ten (10) years of broad and extensive experience as a practicing attorney, including progressively responsible management or supervision, and experience working with a public transportation agency, contact Jack Leary at jkl4868@aol.com. You must also be an active member in good standing with the California State Bar Association.